Review - - Other People's Summers

Other People's Summers

by Sarah Morgan

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

In school, Milly Beckett and Nicole Raven were as close as sisters. Now, years later, a gulf separates them, and not just because of the different spheres they inhabit. Nicole is a global superstar with the world at her fingertips, but when scandal breaks, she turns to the only person she trusts.

Fresh from a painful divorce and struggling to balance her work and raising her daughter alone, Milly is tempted to refuse her friend’s plea for help. Nicole wasn’t there for her when she needed her most, and that’s hard to forgive. But Nicole is desperate and Milly agrees to give her the sanctuary she needs.

Against a stunning Lake District backdrop, stilted small talk gradually gives way to soul-deep revelations as the two women slowly find their way back to one another. Living with Milly gives Nicole a glimpse of a different path for herself, and Milly starts to see a life beyond her divorce, including the possibility of a new romance. But Nicole can’t stay hidden forever—and neither can the secret she’s been keeping from Milly, a secret that threatens both her future happiness and the fragile bond between them.

PJ's Thoughts:

My summer reading list would not be complete without a new novel by Sarah Morgan. This talented storyteller never fails to take me on a heart-tugging journey with complex characters and complicated relationships.

One of the relationship types Morgan seems to enjoy exploring - and does so skillfully in this book - is friendship. It's a topic to which most of us can relate. I enjoy how she peels back the layers of the friendship between Milly and Nicole, exposing the nuances of the stretched but not completely broken bond between the two women, revealing the reasons behind their estrangement, and then inviting us along the slow, sometimes painful, but ultimately joyful journey to reconciliation. Sometimes, it's those personal potholes in life that, once repaired, forge a stronger, more durable future. It's a story facet that Morgan crafts exceptionally well.

The secondary cast surrounding Milly and Nicole provide texture that only enrichens the overall story. Milly's grandmother (who has some of the best - and funniest - lines in the book), along with her mother (who has her own personal journey), and her daughter are well developed and intriguing characters in their own right. Two men (I love them both) offer respect, understanding, and hopeful possibilities to Milly and Nicole. Even Milly's ex has a realistic redemption (she's still better off without him). 

If you're looking for a hopeful and heartfelt story about two women, the ties that bind them, the secrets that have kept them apart, and the summer that brings them back together, pick up a copy of Sarah Morgan's Other People's Summers. I highly recommend it. 

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - May

 

We didn't have many April showers around here but we still ended up with pretty May flowers...and a whole bouquet of new books. Here are the titles we'll be sharing with you in this merry month of May. 

We kick things off on Thursday, May 1 with a tour review of Shooting Stars Over the Highlands. This fourth book in Lisa Hobman's The Scottish Highlands series takes readers back to Drumblair Castle for another feel-good contemporary romance/women's fiction journey.

Get ready for laughter and love on Friday, May 2 with our tour review of The Dolce Vita Divas. This warm hug of a book by Maddie Please proves it's never too late for new chapters or second chances with first loves. 

Take a virtual trip to Italy's stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast on Saturday, May 3 when I share my thoughts about Sarah Penner's The Amalfi Curse. This dual-timeline story is bubbling over with adventure, betrayal, romance, and a touch of sea witch magic. 

Sarah Morgan is back with another emotional, heart-tugging story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and love. Join me on Tuesday, May 6 when we journey to England's Lake District with a review of Other People's Summers. 

Nancy will be here on Wednesday, May 7 with a review and print giveaway of Archangel's Ascension by Nalini Singh, another compelling paranormal fantasy in Singh's Guild Hunter series.

Do you enjoy cozy mysteries set among the history and culture of Florence, Italy? If so, don't miss my tour review of Murder at the Ponte Vecchio by T.A. Williams on Thursday, May 8.

It will be A Summer to Start Over on Friday, May 9 when I share my thoughts about Sera Taino's new novel. This contemporary romance launches Taino's new Finding Love in Soledad Bay series. 

Monday, May 12 brings the conclusion of Kennedy Ryan's Skyland series with a review of book three, Can't Get Enough. Deeply emotional, steamy, and brilliantly written, this book checked all my happy reader boxes. 

We'll be heading back in time on Tuesday, May 13 with a review of Mary Ellen Taylor's dual-timeline novel, After Paris. Set in present-day Virginia and WWII Paris, this compelling novel was hard to put down. 

Be sure to stop by on Wednesday, May 14 for a review - and giveaway - of Miranda Liasson's Take Me to the Wedding, book two in her The Amazing Doctors of Oak Bluff series. This enemies-to-lovers romance simmers with humor, snappy banter, wonderful friendship groups, and a whole lot of heart. 

We're headed back to Alaska on Thursday, May 15 with a review of Paging Dr. Breakup. This second book in Jillian David's Yukon Valley, Alaska Hospital series features former best friends and a second-chance reunion. Expect emotional depth, small-town Alaskan charm, a bit of a mystery, and meddling locals who love a happy ending. 

Join me on Friday, May 16 for a review - and giveaway - of One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. This one kept me reading through the night, plucking my heartstrings like a master. I already want to go back to page one and relive it all over again. 

Monday, May 19 brings a review - and giveaway - of 32 Days in May by Betty Corrello. I haven't read this book yet. All I know so far is it's a rom-com featuring a woman with a newly-diagnosed chronic illness, a burned-out television star, and one month that takes them from the Jersey Shore to Rome and back again. Stay tuned...

Santa will be here on Tuesday, May 20 with a review - and giveaway - of Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews. This historical romance launches Matthews' The Crinoline Academy series about "a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy." Sounds intriguing!

Santa returns on Thursday, May 22 with a review - and giveaway - of Ride with Me by Simone Soltani. When a woman left at the altar and a F1 driver looking for an escape from family and career pressures wake up together in Vegas with a ring on her finger, maybe a marriage of convenience isn't a such bad idea? 

And we're off to England for another "bromantic" comedy in Jenny Holiday's Earl's Trip series. Join me on Friday, May 23 for a review of Manic Pixie Dream Earl. He's an earl who secretly writes poetry and is secretly in love with a woman who works. She's his publisher. They've corresponded for years, growing increasingly closer, but never met in person. She decides to surprise him when she learns the details of his upcoming holiday with his two best friends. Did I mention she thinks he's a woman? Oops! 

Tuesday, May 27 brings a review of The Lady Makes Her Mark by Susanna Craig. This third book in Craig's Goode's Guide to Misconduct series brings the banter, adventure, chemistry, and unexpected twists that always make her books an enjoyable reading experience. 

We'll wrap up the month on Wednesday, May 28 with a review of Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria. This third book in Daria's Primas of Power series is a steamy, Latinx rom-com that stole my heart. It's my favorite of what has been an exceptional series. 

That's what's on the schedule - so far - for May. What's on your schedule this month? What are your most anticipated books?

Two people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, May 6 will each receive a book from my stash. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Amalfi Curse

The Amalfi Curse

by Sarah Penner

Publisher: Park Row

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse…

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven’s arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano’s latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever…

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm going to need a nap today and it's completely Sarah Penner's fault. I was awake half the night finishing Penner's newest novel, The Amalfi Curse. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. 

This book has it all. Italy's Amalfi Coast (If you've visited, this will take you right back. If not, you'll be aching to go.). Sea witches (I believe). Dual timeline (I was equally invested in the stories and characters from both). Intrigue. Betrayal (I did not see some of those twists coming!). Forbidden love (in one timeline). Maybe fated love in the other? Complex, well-developed characters who tugged at my heart. Shipwrecks...sunken treasure...twists...turns...and OMG, what just happened??? I gasped. I cheered. I turned the final page with a big ole happy smile. Pretty sure I'll be reading this one again. 

If dual-timeline mysteries with a touch of magic that sweep you away to stunning locations are your jam, add The Amalfi Curse to your book buying list. But, clear your schedule before opening the first page. This book is darn near impossible to put down. 

 

Tour Review - - The Dolce Vita Divas

The Dolce Vita Divas

by Maddie Please

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

At the ripe (and fabulous) age of 64, Joanna Dawson finds herself seeking a new adventure. Her husband, Greg, has run off with a TBT (thin, blonde, trollop, obviously), her kids have flown the nest, and her social calendar is emptier than her wine rack.

As Jo's 65th birthday looms, she's left wondering: Is this it?

Enter Susie, her best friend, with an offer Jo can’t quite refuse: an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to honour their late friend Ellen. Jo's not sure she wants to go all the way to Italy, but with nothing else to do and if only to make Susie happy, she agrees. A holiday is a holiday after all.

Capri is even more gorgeous than Jo imagined and soon she and Susie are having the time of their life, especially as Jo is reunited with her dashing first love, Paulo. The one who, most definitely, got away…

Things might have fizzled with Paulo decades ago, but in the land of sun, pasta, and far too much wine, Jo begins to wonder: Could this be her second chance at life…and amore?

PJ's Thoughts:

How much did I love this book? I read it entirely in one day, turned the final page with a huge smile and happy sigh, and wanted nothing more than to go back to page one and read it all over again. This was my first Maddie Please novel. It will not be my last!

Please's realistic and oh, so relatable characters took me on a humorous and heart-tugging journey of friendship, adventure, and romance, proving that we're never too old for new chapters or second chances. The main characters are realistically layered and beautifully developed. I loved watching Jo blossom as she began to reconnect with her own self-worth while also reconnecting with the man who first captured her heart as a young woman. My heart broke over Jo and Paulo's ill-fated college romance but soared for their reunion so many years later. To everything there is a season. 

Friendship plays an important role in this book. We should all be blessed with the enduring friendship Susie and Jo share. I love how they challenge and support one another through the many stages of their lives; the laughter, fun, encouragement, and acceptance they share. 

Family dynamics are also key with multi-generational characters bringing a richness and texture to the overall story, from Paulo's strong-willed and perceptive mother to Jo's flabbergasted children (who, quite candidly, think Mum has gone round the bend), to Paulo's young grandson. All are used to perfection.

And, finally, Please brings to life the beauty and vibrant spirit of the Isle of Capri. Her descriptions are so vividly depicted, I could close my eyes and smell the lemons, feel the gentle sea breeze on my face, and long for the unique charm of one of my favorite places. 

If you're looking for a warm hug of a book that makes you laugh, possibly shed a few tears, cheer loudly for these wonderful characters, and immediately search out the author's entire back list, look no further than The Dolce Vita Divas. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Tour Review - - Shooting Stars Over the Highlands

Shooting Stars Over the Highlands

by Lisa Hobman

The Scottish Highland Series - Book 4

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Esme Cassidy had two dreams growing up: to be a famous film star, and to own Drumblair Castle.

Sadly, overly cautious parents put paid to a career in front of the camera, instead encouraging her to study towards a ‘proper job’, and Lady Olivia MacBain is the current custodian of ‘her castle’.

After graduating and a year travelling, Esme returns home broken-hearted and throws herself into her new role as Lady Olivia’s PA at Drumblair Castle. It’s not quite her original dream but at least she’s living at the castle in one of the estate cottages with her housemate and friend, handsome, yet quirky, groundsman Judd.

With the news that the castle will be used as a film set for a period movie, Esme gets to witness first-hand the career she missed out on. And with her teenage crush in the starring role, she can’t believe her luck. But he wouldn’t be interested in a girl like her, surely?

PJ's Thoughts:

Lisa Hobman takes readers back to the Scottish Highlands for another story at Drumblair Castle, liberally sprinkled with humor and heart. It's been fun getting to know these characters, catching up with favorites in each new book while meeting new ones along the way. 

Esme is such a relatable and engaging character.  I enjoyed the way her story unfolded as she moved forward on her journey to independence, both in her personal and professional lives. Her relationships with her parents, Lady Olivia, Judd, her teenage crush all grown up, and her ex all unfolded in an organic and realistic way that only deepened my emotional attachment to her. I was in her corner, cheering her on the entire way.

I adored sweet, supportive Judd but I also liked Zach immensely as well. For a while, I wasn't sure which way the author was going to take Esme romantically but I was very happy with the way it played out. I really appreciated the way both of the men's characters evolved throughout the book and I enjoyed each of their unique relationships with Esme. Only one is destined to be her love, of course, but the other is destined for the type of solid, supportive friendship we should all be fortunate enough to have. 

Hobman has a way of pulling me into her stories through her characters as well as the setting. I was ready to hop a plane to Drumblair Castle after reading book one. Each successive book has only intensified that desire. I want to take the tours, picnic in the gardens, hoist a pint at the local pub, and just hang out with all the characters who feel like they've become friends. 

While I'm glad I read the books in order, readers new to this series could easily begin with Shooting Stars Over the Highlands without feeling lost or confused. 

Review - - Love, The Duke

Love, The Duke

by Amelia Grey

Say I Do - Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

When the Duke of Hurstbourne receives a letter from his childhood friend asking him to marry his sister Ophelia, Hurst declines. He’s not adverse to taking a bride, but he believes in love at first sight that stirs his desire—not marriage sight-unseen.

Adhering to society’s strict propriety for ladies, Ophelia Stowe has no choice but to present herself as a man to seek the Duke of Hurstbourne’s favor. If not for the dire situation she finds herself in, she wouldn’t have asked for help from the handsome man who had rebuffed her. When the alluring duke’s response is a plan of his own, Ophelia never dreams it would be a proposal of a marriage of convenience.

But the stakes are high, and the good name of the Stowe family will be damaged if a missing antiquity isn’t found. When she accepts his offer, she quickly finds she isn’t immune to the passion building between her and her new husband--or how real the marriage begins to feel.

Santa Says:

Love, The Duke by Amelia Grey is the final book in her Say I Do series. I really enjoyed the series and this book was no different. It was a five star hit from the first page. It includes romance and a bit of intrigue that kept me enthralled throughout. 

Drake Cheston Kingley, the duke of Hurtsborne is at loose ends. He is well aware that he should marry soon. He would marry someone he fell in love with at first sight or not at all. His two best friends have just married and he hardly sees them so he is especially looking forward to some time away with them. His enjoyment is cut short when a letter arrives from an old childhood friend who has become ill. He asks that Drake honor an oath to come to his friend's aid. His friend the good Reverend Winston Stowe asks that he marry, sight unseen, his sister. Drake is stunned and impulsively writes to decline his friend’s request saying he will return home to meet with him instead. He signs the note with Love, the Duke. Memories come back to him. Growing up, Drake’s own father went through his allowance like water, often leaving no money for food or the servants wages. He found himself spending all his time at the Stowe house. They were the loving family he did not have. He would visit his old friend as soon as he could. 

Olivia Stowe was undeniably a beauty so when Drake fails to find her brother and her, she takes matters into her own hands and seeks him. Drake is shocked to find her in his study dressed as a man. It was a guise he sees straight through but Olivia is desperate. She doesn’t seek marriage but his knowledge and access to the ton. Someone stole a priceless chalice from a locked box in the church her brother ran. If the theft is discovered before she can track the piece down her brother would be accused of the theft and her family’s reputation would be ruined. 

Olivia suspects a visiting nobleman who recently visited the chapel and was shown the piece by her ailing brother. A servant only catches part of the crest on the side of the carriage seen leaving the church just after the chalice went missing. Drake offered his assistance as best he could. Olivia took matters into her own hands when she attended parties with her mother. She would search libraries and studies on her own to see if she could find the chalice herself.  

Drake finds himself enchanted with her when he first sees her dressed as a woman across a crowded ballroom. He follows this vision to the study and discovers its’s none other than Olivia. He warns her to not go sneaking into darkened rooms. Drake’s efforts to stop her land them in compromising situations.  

The best solution would be a marriage of convenience where he can keep an eye on her but close proximity works its magic to the delight of this reader. I hope you pick up a copy today and enjoy it as much as I did!